South African Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins was adamant that the decision to make Kabamba Floors the Players’ Player of the Year was the right one.

Hoskins, in consultation with SARU Deputy Mr. Mike Stofile and CEO Johan Prinsloo decided that Floors would take the award, after he and Vodacom Western Province captain Luke Watson were apparently deadlocked on Monday.

“SA Rugby always gets the casting vote,” Hoskins told the Pretoria News. “It’s most unfortunate that I’ve been implicated in manipulating the vote.

He cited the blond Vodacom Cheetahs flank’s excellent form in the playoffs of the Absa Currie Cup as the deciding factor.

This in itself is questionable as Watson played in every match of WP’s Currie Cup campaign, and was largely outstanding in all of those. Floors had limited game time in the domestic showpiece and only got a regular starting berth in the latter part of the competition. Watson also played in all of the Vodacom Stormers matches in the Vodacom Super 14, excelling there as well.

Hoskins did concede that enforcing a casting vote was not ideal. “In hindsight maybe more thought should have been given to this (having to decide between two players),” said Hoskins.

“But I am happy with our decision… I can live with it.”

He also expressed his delight at the standard of play the Currie Cup has produced.

“Competitions this year produced outstanding rugby and a huge amount of excitement for the fans. Saru is especially pleased with the high quality performances delivered by the group of emerging talent.

“Judging by their performances in the absence of many Bok players who were withheld from the competition for next year’s World Cup, I am pleased to say that SA rugby is in a healthy state,” said Hoskins.